RIYADH: Although many activities were organized around the world to commemorate World Water Day on Sunday, hardly much happened in the Kingdom.
There were humble efforts to create awareness among children in Saudi Arabia. For instance, one women and children’s center held a water awareness campaign.
Although it was held in association with the Ministry of Water and Electricity, it was a poorly conducted event that failed to capture the children’s attention and create awareness.
“The efforts were genuine, but the event was criticized due to the limited number of women participants from the Ministry of Water and Electricity, who were occupied with more than one event of the kind,” said Mohammad Al-Idan from the ministry’s Department of Awareness and Guidance. He pointed out that the ministry has only four or five women specialists.
The six Gulf countries are among the world’s poorest in relation to water resources, a problem that continues to grow. Taking a leading role in the conservation of water in countries where the population constantly increases is essential for governmental and nongovernmental organizations.
Most water in the Kingdom comes from wells. Hence, there is a need to ensure wells do not dry up, a problem that has previously occurred in Al-Kharj and Ahsa. Poor practices in the usage of water in a country that lacks resources leads one to question what the role of the Ministry of Water and Electricity actually is. Is conducting awareness campaigns enough?
“The ministry’s main role is to encourage rational use of water and maintain proper supply,” said Al-Idan, adding that producing water and digging wells is the responsibility of the Saline Water Conversion Corporation. Yet, the ministry undertakes strategic plans to locate potential sources.
Al-Idan pointed out that the ministry holds awareness campaigns all year round. These campaigns are carried out through the media, in malls and even in schools in cooperation with the Ministry of Education.
